Improving Newburgh, New York's connectivity to Manhattan is being called a "no-brainer" planning goal by Andres Duany, as planners look to redevelop the city's Hudson riverfront. But city officials say many hurdles have kept that goal out of reach.
"The aspect of the plan he wants residents and city officials to get behind so strongly is an idea that has been kicked around for years: a light-rail connection between Stewart International Airport and Newburgh's Broadway."
"'It's so obvious, such a no-brainer that the only people who wouldn't come up with it are planners,' joked Duany, part of Tuxedo-based Leyland Alliance's development team for the waterfront project. 'The compelling simplicity of this plan will make it happen.'"
"The rail wouldn't just connect Stewart to Newburgh, Duany said, it would allow commuters to catch the ferry to Beacon and then take Metro-North to Manhattan."
"Being within easy reach of Manhattan is Newburgh's biggest asset, Duany said."
"'We've studied this at least twice, and its been posed numerous times,' said David Church, Orange County's planning commissioner. 'For some reason, all forms of train have a sex appeal, an appeal over other modes like bus. But it isn't something that's going to happen right away.'"
Read the full story: Newburgh waterfront designer beats drum for light-rail
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